At various times, three different drivers have appeared to be a lock to win the 2017 Indy Lights championship, but only Juncos Racing's Kyle Kaiser has stepped forward to take control of the title.

The Silicon Valley native's three wins and eight podiums from 15 rounds have put him in a position where he only needs to take the green flag Sunday at Watkins Glen to secure the championship and the $1 million advancement prize from Mazda.

Unlike recent Lights title deciders, Kaiser and Juncos have gotten the job done before the checkered flag waves over the season.

"It's a huge relief heading into the finale knowing I just have to take the green flag to officially secure the Indy Lights Championship," Kaiser said. "My mindset going into The Glen will be to enjoy the race weekend and go for the win with nothing to lose. I'll have a blast going out there and driving hard for a win in the finale at such a great circuit."

Kaiser will, at minimum, contest a handful of Verizon IndyCar Series events next year with his Mazda Road to Indy graduation award. Like reigning Indy Lights champion Ed Jones, Kaiser will look to take the guaranteed $1 million and look to find more sponsors to contest as many races as possible.

"Knowing that I'll have the three races in IndyCar for 2018 is a huge motivator heading into next season," he added. "I'll be working extremely hard this offseason to prepare so that I'll be competitive and show everyone what I'm capable of at the top level."

Although team owner Ricardo Juncos has yet to make formal IndyCar plans for 2018, continuing his longstanding relationship with Kaiser is said to be among his options.